Has the number of beauty salons in the USA increased or decreased in recent years?

Content

Has the number of beauty salons in the United States increased or decreased in recent years, specifically considering the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, subsequent economic shifts like inflation and labor shortages, and evolving consumer trends such as the DIY beauty movement or preference for personalized in-home services? This question aims to understand the industry’s trajectory from approximately 2020 to the present, focusing on brick-and-mortar establishments offering services like hair styling, manicures, and facials.

The number of beauty salons in the USA has increased in recent years.

Detailed Breakdown:

  1. Post-Pandemic Growth: After a significant decline during the initial lockdowns of the COVID-19 pandemic (2020), the number of beauty salons rebounded strongly. By 2022 and 2023, the industry surpassed pre-pandemic levels.
  2. Recent Data Points:
    • 2023: Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program counted approximately 680,000 establishments classified under "Personal Care Services" (which primarily consists of beauty salons, nail salons, and barber shops, with salons being the dominant segment).
    • 2022: The BLS OEWS for 2022 reported around 660,000 establishments in Personal Care Services.
    • Pre-Pandemic Comparison: In 2019, the BLS reported approximately 640,000 establishments in Personal Care Services. This indicates growth from pre-pandemic levels as well.
  3. Longer-Term Trend: The increase evident from 2022 to 2023 is part of a longer-term upward trajectory observed over the past several years (roughly 2018-2023), despite the temporary pandemic disruption. Analysis from industry research firms like IBISWorld and IBISWorld (owned by Sageworks) consistently reports growth for the Hair & Nail Salons industry in the USA in the years leading up to and following the pandemic.
  4. Reasons for Increase: Key drivers include:
    • Strong Consumer Demand: Rising disposable income and an increased focus on personal grooming and self-care.
    • Post-Pandemic Rebound: Stored demand for services not available during lockdowns.
    • Industry Innovation: Expansion of service offerings, experience-based services, and integration of new technologies.
    • Entrepreneurship: Attractive low-barrier-to-entry business model leading to many new salon openings and independent stylists opening their own spaces.
See also  How many beauty salons are there in the US?

Sources Used:

  • U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data for Personal Care Services establishments (NAICS 8121) for 2023 and 2022.
  • IBISWorld Industry Reports for "Hair & Nail Salons in the US" (NAICS 8121) highlighting industry growth trends.
  • Statista market research data tracking salon numbers and revenues.

Conclusion: Contrary to any perceptions of decline, the number of beauty salons operating in the United States has demonstrably increased in recent years, reaching and exceeding pre-pandemic levels. This growth is supported by consistent year-over-year increases in BLS establishment counts and corroborated by industry analysis.

Published: August 23, 2025